The New Golden Age of Train Travel
There’s something undeniably romantic about traveling by train. The gentle rhythm of the rails, the ever-changing landscape outside your window, the slow, deliberate way of moving through the world. In a time when travel often feels rushed, luxury rail journeys invite us to pause—and savor.
Recently, one of our clients traveled by train on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and we couldn’t help but wish we were along for the ride. You may be thinking, train!? Really, Kaleigh? But today’s luxury trains are not about nostalgia for its own sake. They are modern marvels of hospitality, design, bringing together heritage with haute cuisine, world-class service, and unforgettable routes.
Whether winding through the countryside between Venice and Paris or across the Andes, these journeys are less about getting from Point A to B and more about falling in love with the in-between.
Our Favorite Luxury Train Excursions
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
The legend, reimagined. This is the icon of luxury rail travel—a rolling art deco masterpiece that transports guests between some of Europe’s most glamorous cities. Expect crisp champagne in Lalique glassware, white-glove service, and cuisine worthy of a Michelin table. The Paris to Venice route is a classic, but we’re loving the lesser-known journeys to Istanbul or through the French countryside.
A Shameless Tip: Book a Grand Suite for en suite marble bathrooms and elevated privacy—it’s an indulgence worth every moment.
Belmond Andean Explorer
South America’s first luxury sleeper train. This high-altitude adventure across Peru is equal parts breathtaking scenery and refined comfort. From Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, you’ll glide past snow-capped peaks, floating villages, and ancient wonders. The cabins are cozy yet elevated, and the observation car is the best seat in South America.
A Shameless Tip: Don’t miss the onboard pisco sour class or the open-air terrace at sunset.
All photos via Belmond.
Day Trips by Train
If you love the charm of luxury rail but prefer to sleep in a hotel bed, day trips on iconic trains like Peru’s Hiram Bingham or London’s British Pullman are the perfect blend of elegance and ease. These journeys offer all the glamour—gourmet meals, impeccable service, and stunning scenery—without the commitment of overnight travel. Whether you’re winding through the Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu or sipping champagne while gliding through the English countryside, it’s a way to experience the magic of train travel in just one unforgettable day.
A Shameless Tip: We recommend a stop by the Bar car and the caboose for amazing open air views!
Why Train Travel Now?
In a world craving slower, more intentional luxury, these trains deliver something unique:
- Pace – Travel that invites presence, not pressure
- Design – Interiors that feel like couture hotels on wheels
- Connection – With landscapes, stories, and fellow travelers
- Sustainability – A lower-impact way to explore vast distances
- Exclusivity – Small guest counts, high-touch service, rare access
Ready to Experience the Rails Differently?
Train travel is no longer just an old-world novelty—it’s one of the most inspired, design-forward ways to see the world in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping champagne in the Alps or watching llamas graze in the Peruvian highlands, we’ll design the journey that fits your pace, your story, and your sense of wonder!
